County-Wide Critical Area Ordinance Maps

The maps depicted here are reduced from their actual poster size. There is 1 map for each article of the Critical Areas Ordinance. Each map depicts the most current information available, but there still are critical areas beyond what is shown on the maps. Therefore, the maps should only be used as a rough guide as to the location of regulated features. Not all regulated features of the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) are depicted on maps.

Geologically Hazardous Areas
This map depicts the approximate location of geologically hazardous areas in Whatcom County. Geologically hazardous areas are areas susceptible to erosion, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and/or other geological processes and pose a significant risk to people and property. Incompatible development in these areas can adversely affect natural resources, threaten public health and safety and, put the development and surrounding developments and uses at risk.

Frequently Flooded Areas
This map depicts the approximate location of Frequently Flooded Areas in Whatcom County. Frequently flooded areas are areas are located along major rivers, streams, and coastal areas where the depth, velocity, intensity, and frequency of flood water during major events presents a risk to human life and property.

Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
This map depicts critical aquifer recharge areas and well head protection zones. Critical aquifer recharge areas have prevailing geologic conditions associated with infiltration rates that create a high potential for contamination of ground water or contribute significantly to the replenishment of ground water. Surficial aquifers and depth to water are included on the map for reference only.

Wetlands
This is the critical areas map shows land cover and features wetlands. The wetlands shown comprise federal, state, and local agencies most inclusive inventory of wetlands. Wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances, do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Swamps, fresh, and saltwater marshes, bogs, and some meadows are examples of wetlands. Some riparian areas adjacent to streams are also wetlands.

Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas
This map depicts the approximate location of wildlife features found in Whatcom County. Information on the regulation of wildlife habitat conservation areas can be found in article VII of the CAO.

Fish Habitat Conservation Areas
This map depicts the presence of salmon fish species in Whatcom County. Information on the regulation of habitat conservation areas can be found in article VII of the CAO.